Thomas (Tom) Kellum Sr.'s Obituary
Thomas (Tom) Kellum, Sr. 74, passed away on January 18, 2023 at his home in Eads, Tenn. His son, Thomas (Tommy) Kellum, Jr., was by his side, along with the love of his life and companion of 16 years, Janet Ritchie, and his wonderful caregiver, Linda Faye.
Tom was a successful business owner, retiring in 2017 from the printing company Designer Graphics, which he founded in 1978; he built many lasting friendships with his customers over the years.
Outside of work, he was a lifelong car and racing enthusiast – winning dozens of races at the wheel of his ‘55 Chevy and ‘70 Camaro at the Lakeland International Speedway. Later, he collected and restored Corvettes, but his biggest pride was his 1996 Corvette Grand Sport #77, which he watched roll off the factory floor. In fact, workers allowed him onto the floor to put the first tank of gas in the car, as the remnants of Hurricane Opal had closed down most of the operations onsite. He and Janet made annual trips to the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky where he always enjoyed checking out the brick with his name at the entrance.
Tom was a man who enjoyed competition and familiar routines – from working out religiously and having dinner on Friday nights at La Hacienda, to watching NASCAR and MotorTrends with his close friend Chuck Whitley, and relaxing with neighbors in Big Bell Estates where the horseshoe and cornhole matches could be more than a little competitive. He and Janet also enjoyed many backyard barbeques at the home of his lifelong friend, Steve Stamson and his wife, Debbie. The two looked forward to trips to the beach each year, always along 30A or to Jamaica, and shared a deep love for animals, from the deer that were regular guests in his backyard to their pup named Penny, who was his fierce protector and always by his side.
Some of his best memories, however, include spending time with his son Tommy while he competed in motor cross races as a young boy.
Tom was born on Dec. 26, 1948, in Memphis, Tenn. to Alan Nason Kellum and Norma Mauritha Kellum, and graduated from Overton High School in 1966.
He is survived by his son, Thomas Kellum, Jr. and wife, Lisa; grandchildren, Elizabeth Kellum and Margaret Rose Bailey; sister, Sissy Basinger; brothers, Alan Kellum and wife Tanja, Roger Kellum and wife Belinda; and his forever love, Janet Ritchie.
The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, Feb. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Memorial Park Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Tom may contribute to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, www.lbda.org or Parkinson’s Foundation www.Parkinson.org.
Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5668 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN, 38119. (901) 767-8930.
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